Melanie Fiona - Gone & Never Coming Back

Looking back on 2010 it’s clear that in many ways this was the year of the woman. From Nicki Minaj’s raps to Alicia Keys' Empire State hook and much more, strong women like Melanie Fiona took their rightful place at music’s front lines. Fresh off the release of her critically acclaimed debut album The Bridge (and by “critically acclaimed” I mean I really liked it), Fiona continues to cement her role as a pillar of new school r&b/soul on new leak Gone & Never Coming Back. While producer’s identity (produced by Jay Fenix and Andrea Martin) so far remains a mystery, whatever maestro composed this soaring, piano driven ballad deserves credit – it’s the perfect sonic backdrop for Melanie to showcase her gripping, emotional and undeniably powerful voice. Seriously – I don’t know how it’s possible to listen to Never Coming Back and not come away convinced we’re looking at a star in the making. Look for this epic to appear on her upcoming, currently unscheduled album The MF Life. (“MF” as in Melanie Fiona. God people, get your minds out of the gutter.)